HOW TO FIX CANDLE TUNNELING
WHAT IS TUNNELING AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Tunneling is the different levels of wax built up around your wick. It’s more likely to occur in cheaper, lower quality candles than luxury candles. There are a couple reasons as to why this is happening to your candle. 1. Poor burning habits (Check out our Candle Care Guide to learn good habits) and 2. The wick isn’t large enough.
Candle Tunneling is not aesthetically pleasing and prevents you from getting the best use of your candle. But don’t worry! You can easily fix this issue. Read on to learn how.
HOW TO FIX TUNNELING
Option 1: The Hair Dryer Method
You can use a heat gun (will work better) or a hair dryer. Turn on to the lowest setting to prevent wax from splashing everywhere. Just hover over the candle until the wax melts smoothly and evenly.
Then let it harden and when you’re ready to light the candle, make sure you don’t make the same mistake. Always trim your wicks before burn and let it burn all the way to the edge of the container to prevent tunneling. Read more below to prevent tunneling. If this method doesn’t work for your candle read Option 2.
Option 2: The Aluminum Foil Method
Trim your wick and remove any debris in the candle
Wrap around the outside edge of the container with aluminum foil. Then create a hole in the center of the aluminum foil. Make sure the foil covers the area that’s tunneling.
Remove the foil, light the candle and put the foil back on. The foil will reflect the heat onto the candle to create a more even melt than just the center.
Let the candle burn until the edge is completely melted and the top surface is evened out.
Remove the foil carefully and enjoy your candle!
Make sure you keep an eye out so it doesn’t overheat.
HOW TO PREVENT TUNNELING
Did you know candle wax has memory? Your candle remembers where you first burnt up to and will only burn up to that point. So your first burn is very crucial! To prevent tunneling, all you have to do is burn your candle long enough to reach the edge of the container. The first burn will set the radius of the melt. Sometimes this won’t work if the candle has a small wick which is a business mistake so if your candle is tunneling try those 2 methods.
